The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class David Earl Hartsoe (MCSN: 2279897), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on the evening of 20 May 1967. Company L was moving to bring a relief force to an embattled sister company when it engaged a strong enemy blocking force. Private First Class Hartsoe volunteered as point man to lead the company through the darkness to Company K. The enemy opened up on the relief force, and he positioned his gun in the foremost position. After a vicious fire fight the platoon was forced to withdraw to regroup. Private First Class Hartsoe knew that without the fire power of his gun, the platoon would be unable to recover the casualties and carry them to safety. Calmly accepting the consequences of their action, he and his team leader held their position under heavy automatic fire and a barrage of grenades, delivering covering fire while the others pulled out of the entrapped area. With complete disregard for his own safety, he held his own position until mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, indomitable fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Hartsoe was instrumental in saving several Marine lives and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.